Sweet Revenge

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to “Sweet Revenge” by Glenn Hughes and Robin George from the album Overcome, a track that’s got the Zoo Crew spinning with its funky hard rock vibes! This song, recorded back in 1989, has a wild story behind it. Originally part of a project meant to launch under the name Sweet Revenge, it was set for a major label release, but the deal fell apart, leaving the tracks to gather dust. A chance meeting between Hughes and George sparked this collaboration, with George initially planning a solo album. Hughes, fresh off singing backing vocals for George’s Notorious project with Sean Harris, jumped in, co-writing “Sweet Revenge” and three other tracks. The song itself is a funky rocker, with a riff that echoes Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” but delivered with a gritty edge, showcasing Hughes’ powerhouse vocals and George’s slick guitar work. Years later, a bootlegged version surfaced, but the 2023 Cherry Red Records release of Overcome, remastered from the original tapes, finally gave fans the crisp sound they deserved.

Another cool tidbit about “Sweet Revenge” comes from its production. George played most of the instruments himself in his Wolverhampton studio, crafting a sound that blends melodic hard rock with a touch of blue-eyed soul. Reviews, like one from Metal Temple Magazine, praise the chemistry between Hughes and George, noting how the track captures Hughes’ vocal prowess during a tough period in his life. Despite the album’s funky chart-chasing style, some critics, like HeadBangers Lifestyle, felt the production wasn’t fully polished, giving it a raw, almost unfinished charm that Zoo Freaks might dig for its authenticity. The song’s release in 2008 as part of the Sweet Revenge album by Krescendo Records was a treat for longtime fans, especially since it marked Hughes’ climb back to the top after his Black Sabbath days.

Now, let’s talk about how Glenn Hughes, the “Voice of Rock,” got his start. Born in Cannock, Staffordshire, England, Hughes kicked off his career in the late 1960s with the band Trapeze, formed alongside Mel Galley and Dave Holland. Trapeze’s bluesy, soulful rock caught attention, and by 1970, they were making waves in the UK and US. Hughes’ big break came in 1973 when he joined Deep Purple as bassist and co-vocalist, contributing to iconic albums like Burn and Stormbringer. His soulful voice and dynamic stage presence earned him a legendary status, though he left the band in 1976. From there, Hughes embarked on a solo career, collaborated with artists like Gary Moore and Joe Lynn Turner, and later formed Black Country Communion and fronted The Dead Daisies. Despite personal struggles in the 1980s, Hughes’ resilience and talent kept him rocking, making him a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic playlist.

Robin George, the other half of this duo, hails from Wolverhampton, England, and started his musical journey in the 1970s as a guitarist and songwriter. Known for his versatility, George first gained traction with his band Dangerous Music and later worked with rock heavyweights like Robert Plant, Phil Lynott, and David Byron. His knack for blending hard rock with pop and funk elements shone through in his 1980s solo work, including the album Dangerous Music. George’s collaboration with Hughes on Overcome was a natural fit, given his local ties to Trapeze and his studio wizardry. His ability to write songs tailored to Hughes’ voice made “Sweet Revenge” a standout, and his production skills brought a modern edge to the track.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out Glenn Hughes’ official website at glennhughes.com, where you’ll find tour dates, merch, and more. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates. Fans can also join the Glenn Hughes Fan Forum for news, polls, and community chats. For Robin George, visit his official site at robingeorge.co.uk and follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X. There’s also a fan-driven Robin George Fan Group on Facebook for those looking to connect with fellow enthusiasts. Keep spinning those records, Zoo Crew!